Cloth-finishing



S. L. CLUETT CLOTH FINISHING May 31, 1932.

Filed Feb. 19. 1951 4 Sheets-Shet 1 V S. L. CLU ETT CLOTH FINISHING May 31, 1932.

4 Sheets-Shet 2 Filed Feb. 19,

@Q Q Q QM S. L. CLUETT CLOTH FINISHING May 31, 1932.

Filed Feb. 19, 1931 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 //vz//vrae jm faza-L Q0 77' flaw Patented May 31, 1932 SANFORD L. CLUETT, OF TROY, NEW YORK CLOTH-FINISHING Application filed February 19, 1931. Serial No. 516,973.

In an application for United States Let- ,ters Patent, filed by me on April 18, 1930, Serial No. 445,300, I describe and claim a method of effecting preshrinlfage in textile fabrics which, briefly stated, comprises afiixing by pressure a textile web in a moistened and therefore plastic condition, at all parts of its surface to a contractible support, then causing the support to contract while the web is held fixed to it, so that the web also contracts in area, and then, as by heat and drying, setting the web in its thus altered state. The superficial contraction of the web is produced by pressure exerted in, directions parallel to its surfaces; since by reasonof the confinement of the web by the pressure maintained on its entire surface it can not wrinkle as a web or sheet in response to the \contractile force exerted on it, the response to that force is by the component yarn systems within the Web (one or both) of which the web is composed, which assume a more pronounced undulation or crinkle, contracting the web without wrinkling its surface. This may, for the sake of brevity, be termed shrinkage by compression.

Apparatus by which shrinkage by compression is effected is exemplified by one endless band of such thickness and structure that on being flexed during its movement successively in one direction and then in the reverse, that side of the band which is first convex and then concave lengthens and then shortens, so that a moist Web of cloth laid upon and attached by pressure to, this convex sector partakes of the contraction of the band surface when the latter passes into the concave sector, when also the confining pressure continues to be exerted on the web. In its passage through the concave sector,

the web responds to the contractile force by the crinkling of the warp yarns.

The present invention aims to provide novel and improved apparatus for cloth shrinkage by compression; particularly to provide apparatus utilizing many parts of commercial cloth drying or finishing machines, significantly.rearranged and modified with alteration of function so as to produce this type of shrinkage.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved organization of instrumentalities capable of confining the cloth web against the convex surface of a moving band, and without any substantial release of this confinement, so altering the curvature of the band as to produce shrinkage by compression. Various features of novelty and improvement in this organization of instrumentalities and in the machine as a whole will be apparent from this specification and its drawings, wherein an illustrative embodiment of my invention is explained by way of example.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic side elevation of a cloth-shrinking machine embodying features of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a vertical section on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a plan of. the parts shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a vertical section on the line 44 of Fig. 2; and

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4, but showing certain ironing instrumentalities of the machine in an inactive position.

The compressive shrinking machine of the present invention is suited to form part of the general organization of cooperative cloth-finishing devices described in my copending application serially numbered 516,972, filed Feb. 19, 1931.

Fig. 1 shows how, in obtaining accurate two-dimensional preshrinkage, as explained in that application, a textile web W may be conducted from a tentering machine T, through rolls R, R, past water moistening devices M, M, and smoothing and spreading bars or rolls G, G G and Gr to a machine of the present invention operating on the principle of compressive shrinkage. I

This machine of the present invention for effecting shrinkage by compression, includes an endless flexible band F, for example of felt about A t-h of an inch thick, which is carried over the convex surface of a member R defining a part of the path of travel of the band. This member R preferably is a rotatable roll. The band F passes therefrom on to the surface of a second member D which moves past the convex surface of this first member R Preferably this second member D is a large rotatably driven cloth-drying drum, provided with means for internal heating (not shown) the band F may then pass around the major portion of the drum to and over a series of rolls R R and from thence return to member R Any one of the several rolls R may be adjusted to impart a sufficient tension to the band F to enable the band to be driven by the drum D. Better operation of the device is secured with less tension on the hand F if a roll, indicated at R is provided by pressing the band F toward the I drum D shortly after the band leaves roll R suitable springs, not shown, are preferably provided for urging the roll R against the band at this point.

The textile web W to be subjected to warpwise compressive shrinking is receive in a moist plastic state the baud F passing over the member R From thence the web band F as the latter is transferred to the drum D. After passing around the drum D with the band F, the web W diverges from the band as diagrammatically indicated in Fig. 1. ide webs of a yard and more in width can be successfully handled.

Means is provided for causing the roll R and drum D to nip the band F and its associated textile web at the point where the band and web are transferred from the roll to the drum. Preferably as shown in Figs. 2 and 4, the roll R is mounted at opposite ends in frames A which are pivotally mounted at A to a stationary upright G, the pivot point A being in the present instance above the axis of roll R and offset therefrom toward the drum D, so that the pull of the band F will draw the roll R toward the drum D. This produces a decided compressive nip, at about the point marked N (Fig. 4:) upon the band F, where in passing from member R to member D its flexure is reversed. To provide for vertical adjustment of the roll R, a journal J at each of its ends is preferably embraced by opposed cupped bearing blocks K and K which are vertically adjustable by means of upper and lower adjusting screws L and L turning in bosses X and X on the frame A. Preferably, means is provided for adjusting the degree of compressive nipping of the band and web between the roll R and drum D; a preferred form of such means may include a pin V carried by the pivoted roll-carrying frame A and adj ustably pressed by a spring V against the upright G, thus adj ustably limiting and cushioning the pivotal movement of the frame A and roll R toward the drum D. For adjustably limiting outward movement of the frame A and roll R away from the drum D, a sleeve T pivotally secured at T to the frame A, may take by the convex surface of W accompanies the.

against a spring T adjustably confined by a nut T on a bolt T, which is pivoted to the upright G at T Cloth passing over the convex surface of the band F on roll R and then onto drum D would in the absence of precautionary measures, tend to Wrinkle at a point just before the cloth is nipped between the roll and drum D. Wrinkling of the cloth at this point would be highly undesirable since the wrinkles would be ironed into the finished cloth. Attempts to prevent such wrinkling by merely applying a very high warpwise tension to the cloth would'tend to cause imperfect feeding of the cloth with local slipping of the cloth with respect to the hand an d drum at various points across the considerable width of the cloth, and hence loss of perfect weft-alignment and failure to obtain uniform shrinkage of each part of the cloth. Another disadvantageous result of the mere employment of a high degree of wa'rpwise tension in attempts to prevent wrinkling at this point is excessive straightening of the warps, tending to counteract. or even exceeding, the subsequentially imposed warpwise shrinkage, and also causing the wefts of the plastic web to take up or crinkle more than is usually necessary or desirable. In order satisfactorily to prevent such tendency of the cloth to wrinkle. and incidentally to increase the warpwise shrinking capacity of the machine, and to ensure uniformity of feeding of the web, means is provided for confining the web W against the band F until I.

the web and band substantially reach the point N at which they are nipped between the roll R and drum D. Such means preferably takes the form of a plurality of ironing blocks I disposed closely side by side across the width of the web W (Fig. 3) and each conforming (Fig. 4) to the convex surface of the web W passing the member R Preferablv these ironing blocks extend as near as possible to the the curvature of the web immediately before the web is nipped as described above. With this arrangement, the web is transferred from pressure-confinement against the band F to similar confinement against the moving surface of the drumD with no substantial release from pressure against the band. The moisture contained in the web (for example 10% by weight. of water) as a consequence of previous moistening by the water spraying devices M, enables the web to be firmly affixed or attached to the band F prior to 'fleXure of the band in passing onto the drum D. I

The ironing blocks I preferably contain electric. heating elements Y, which may be of conventional form; the ironing blocks thus heated aflix the plastic web W to the band F both by heat and pressure. The heating of the ironing blocks I is of particular utility nip point N. conforming to pendently on the cloth, thus ensuring that all parts of the width of cloth are firmly confined against and attached to the band F, regardless of slight flexure of the roll It.

Each ironing block I, while having freedom of motion normal to the web W, may be prevented from being carried by the webtoo tightly against the drum D or from being wedged unduly between the drum D and roll R, by the provision of an adjustable abutment in the form of a screw bolt 0 atlixed in the lower flange of a channel iron 0 and taking against the upper surface of a lip I on the ironing block. Each ironing block I or e uivalent web-confining member may if dBSiIEK be yieldingly urged against the web W, not only by gravity but also by spring action; as -shown in Fig. 4;, a spring V* attached to the channel iron 0, and to the lip I of the ironing block, may urge the block against the web, about the bolt 0 as a fulcrum. I

The machine is adapted in its operation to produce preshrinkage by compression, as follows: v

The web W is in a moist condition when it enters between the band F and blocks I, so that its component yarns are soft and their fibre structure capable of internal movement. As the band F passes the point N, the web is transferred from pressure-confinement against the band F by the blocks I to similar confinement between the band and the'surface of the drum D, with no appreciable, or more than an instants release from pressure against the band, so that the reversal of curvature of the band, and the consequent shortening of its web-carrying surface. is accompanied by a corresponding shortening of the moist web, of which the yarn components (warp in this case) produces take up or shrinkage by undulation or crinkle. The shrinkage produced in the web is then set by the heating and drying on the hot drum D, and the web drawn from the band to be rolled or web folded. If a given length of the convex surface of the band F. upon the roll R be represented by L, and this, upon passing to the drum Dcontracts to a length L the linear contraction is expressible by LL and the percentage of shrinkage by shrinkage producible in a web by the means above described.

The extent of; contraction (Ia-L of the band F in passing from the roll R to the drum D is an inverse function of the radius of roll R andis a direct'function of the thickness of the band F; and the extent of shrinkage in a web W ma be regulated by a suitable proportioning 0 these values.

Whenever theprogress of the cloth web under the ironing blocks I is interrupted, it is desirable to lift and hold the blocks I out of contact with the web W, thus to prevent scorching of the web. Suitable means for accomplishing these functions preferably includes a pair of brackets E at opposite ends of, and affixed to, the channel O, each of these brackets E being pivotally mounted at E to a curved plate A? by the pivoted roll-carrying frame A. The two brackets E thus movably support the channel 0, forming together therewith a yoke which can be swung from the position of Fig. 4 to the position of Fig. 5; an extension E of each bracket E in this position strikes a stop Eand checks further movement of the brackets E and channel 0. The individual ironing blocks I may be caused to move as a unit with this yoke by suitable connections thereto, thus being removed from contact with the cloth web, as shown in Fig. 5. Preferably such connections provide freedom of movement of the individual blocks when the yoke and blocks are in normal operative position, as in .Fig. 4. As shown in Figs. 3 "and 4, across the group of blocks I is afii'xed at intervals to the'channel I by brackets P fast thereto. Each ironing block I then carries one or more hooks I disposed to engage the rod Pof the above described yoke construction when the latter is swung to the right, but free from the rod P when the blocks I are in their normal operating position. In

a rod P extending which is supported order to hold the yoke, including brackets E, channel 0 and rod P, free from the blocks I during operation of swinging hooks P may be provided on each plate A, adapted to latch over the rod P.

Preferably electrical connections to the heating elements Y of each ironing block I are so arranged as to permit ready detachment of any of the individual blocks. As shown in Fig. 4, electrical wires Q connected to the several heating elements Y of a block through holes in the top of the block, terminate in a detachable plug Q}. A smaller channel member 0' within the flanges of channel 0 carries on the outer face of its web suitable electrical outlets Q to which the plugs Q may be detachably connected. The necessary wires leading from asource of energy to the outlets Q are preferably enclosed in the space between the channels O and O.

It should be understood that the present disclosure is for the purpose of illustration only and that this invention includes all band at the point where the band passes from sequent path modifications and equivalents which fall consequent reversal of curvature, an ironing within the scope of the appended claims. block conforming to the convexity of the I claim: a band on the roll and extending substantially 1. A cloth-finishing machine adapted to to the point at which the cloth and band are shrink cloth in length, said machine comprisnipped by the roll and drum for afiixing a ing a flexible band, amember havinga convex textile web to the surface of said band and surface defining a path of travel for said means for heating said ironing block. band, means for supplying a textile web to 5. A cloth-finishing machine comprising a the convex surface of the band on said memflexible band, a member having a convex surher, a second member having a surface face defining a path of travel for said band, movable past said first-named member and means for sup lying a textile web to the condefining a subsequent path of travel for the vex surface 0 the band on said member, a band, said first and second members belng second memberhavingasurface movable past disposed to cooperate in nipping the web and said first-named member and defining a subof travel for the band, said first one to the other of said members, in comand second members being disposed to cobination with means for compressively conoperate in ni ping th b nd band at, the fining the web against said band by pressure point where the .band passes from one to maintained thereon substantially up to the the other of said members, in combination point at which the web and ban are nipped with a plurality of pressure elements each y said first and second members. conformln to the curvature of the web im- 2. A cloth-finishing machine adapted o mediately iwiore the web is nipped by said shrink cloth in length, said machine comprismembers, said pressure elements lying side ing a flexible band, a member having 8- nby side in 'close relationship and extending vex surface defining a path of travel for said as a group across the width of the web of band, means for supplying a textile Web o cloth being treated, in 'tion to press the the convex surface of the band on ai memweb and band againstsaid convex first named her, a second member having a surf II member close to the movable surface of said able past said first-named member and dee o d-n d m mb fining a subsequent path of travel for the-ac, 6. A cloth-finishing machine adapted to band, said first and second members being hri k l th i l gth aid machine having disposed to cooperate in mp mg the web and therein a roll, an endless band passing therehand at the point where the and P11 9 fr m over, a rotatable drum receivin the band one to the other of said members, in comfrom said roll the 1-011 and the rum being bination with a pressure element contorma d to ni th h nd b t n th as ing to the curvature of the web mmediately th b d Passes f one .t -th th ith before the web is nipped by Bal m consequent reversal of curvature, and a plusai p e element i g arranged to Press rality of ironing blocks each conforming to the web against said band the web and the convexitg of the band on the roll and band are thus nipped, whereby the Web 18 extending su stantially to the oint at which transferred from P confinement the cloth and band are nipped y the roll and against the band to similar confin m drum said ironing blocks resting independagainst the movable surface of said second tl upon b f l th on th b d member With 1'10 substantial interval 0f 16- extending as a, group axially of the said r011, lease from pressure against the band. 7, A l th-fi i hj hi h i th 3. A cloth-finishing ma a p d t0 in an endless hand adapted to receive a textile hrink cloth in length, said machlne h g web to be treated, a member having a convex therein a roll, an endless band passing theresurface part of a ath of travel of over Pot-Mable drum lecelving the blind said band, a second member having a surfr m sald T011; the roll and h drum bemg face movable past said-first-named member arranged to D the band between and defining a subsequent part of the path the band Passes from one to the other i of travel of said band, said first and second consequent reversal of curvature, and an members being disposed with respect to each iromng block conformin to the convexity of other to cooperate nipping the band and a 1n the band on the roll an extendmg substan web thereon at the point where the band tially to the point at which the cloth and band passes from one to the other of said members. are mpped by the roll and d for afiixmg a plurality of ironing blocks conforming to a i g gggigg s iggfi gifig gtgi to the curvature of the web on the band at said convex surface of the first-named member,

shrink-cloth in length, said machine having v 1 therein a roll, an endless band passing there- 531d 011mg blocks extendmg as a g 9 over, a rotatable drum receiving the band across the with of he fle W b being from aid roll, the 11 and the drum b i g treated, means for heating the several H'OII arranged to nip the band between them as ing blocks, and means for supporting the the band passes from one to the other with ironing blocks out of contact with the web,

thereby to prevent scorching of the web when the progress of the web is stopped.

8. A cloth-finishing machine having therein an endless band adapted to receive thereon a textile web to be treated, a member having a convex surface defining a part of a path of travel of said band, a second member having a surface movable past said first-named member and defining a subsequent art of the path of travel of sald band, said rst and second members being disposed with respect to each other to nip the band and a web thereon at the point where the band passes from one to the other of said members, an ironing block conforming to the curvature of the said textile web closely adjacent to the point at which said web is nipped between said members, and means for preventing the block from being unduly nipped between said members with the web, while permitting the said block to float upon. the surface of the moving web as the latter passes over the said first member.

9. A cloth-finishing machine having therein'an endless band adapted to receive thereon a textile web. to be treated,ta member having a convex surface defining a part of a path' of travel of said band, a second member having a surface movable past said first-named mema other to nip the band and a web her and defining a subsequent art of the path of travel of said band, said rst and second members being disposed with respect to each thereon at the point where the band passes from one to the 1 other of said members, an ironing block conforming to the curvature of the said textile web closely adjacent to the point at which said web is nipped between said members, an abutment positioned to check movement of the ironing block in the direction of progress of the band toward the point where the band is nipped,.while permitting the block freedom of motion in a direction normal to the textile web, and meansfor yieldin ly urging theironing block toward the we 10. A cloth-finishing machine adapted'to shrink cloth in length, said machine having therein an endless band "adapted to receive thereon a textile web to be treated, a member having a convex surface defining a art of a ath of travel of said band, a secon member avintg a surface movable past said firstname member and part of the path of travel of said band, said first and second members being disposed with respect to each other to nip the band and a web thereon at the point where the band passes from one to the other of said members, a plurality of ironin blocks conformin to the curve surface of the textile web w ere the latter moves over the convex member, said blocks being mounted yieldin ly to bear against the web at this point to a x the web to the band, and means for removing the severa}; blocks as a unit from contact with the we ing a'fiexible band defining a subsequent a 1 1. A cloth-finishing machine havin therein an endless band adapted to receive t 'ereon a textile web'to be treated, a member having a ed yieldin ly to bear against the web at this point to a x the web to the band, a yoke extending across the group of ironing blocks, said yoke being movable toward and away from the normal position of said blocks, and connections between the several blocks and rst and second 4 said yoke whereby the blocks may be removed from contact with the web by movement of the yoke, said connections providing freedom of motion of the individual blocks with respect to the yoke when the yoke is moved toward the normal position of the ironing blocks.

12. A cloth-finishing machine adapted to shrinkcloth in length, said machine comprisadapted to receive thereon a moist plastic web to be treated, a member having a convex surface defining a path of travel for said band, a second member having a surface movable past said first-named member and defining a subsequent path of travel for the band, said first and second members being disposed to cooperate in nipping the web and band at the point where the band passes from one to the other of said members, in combination with means, operable with respect to the web in advance of and immediately ad'acent to the point at which the web is nipped y the said two members, acting to press the web into close contact with the band.

Signed b meat Troy, N. Y., U. S. A., this 14 day of ebi, 1931.

SANFORD L. CLUETT. 

